Averages, Top Sppeds and the like got me thinking.

[shortone]

There are a lot of threads about distances, average speeds, top speeds and hill climbing which I find difficult to gauge against my own riding.

So on an average ride of approx 100k what is your average speed with ascent taken in to account?
Our Sunday morning ride out is now up around the 100k 60 - 70 miles. We average 16 - 17 mph with between 2000 - 3000 feet of total climbing. With an average riding time around 4hrs.

Information is from Garmin 800.

Would this be considered an average standard, good standard or a lower standard?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Depends who you're asking. I'd consider it insanely fast. A pro might consider it a tediously slow gentle warm up.

 

[shortone]

We are not club riders just a bunch of friends that meet up on a Sunday and go for a ride. The group has grown over the years and now on a sunny day numbers are up to 30. We split of in to 3 smaller groups based on ability. The above is from the more experienced group. The group started out as a group of rugby players keeping fitness up in the off season and has grown from there.

 

[Peter Armstrong]

Average for a club group ride I think

 

[Hip Priest]

That's the same sort of average I managed over that sort of distance and terrain.

So yeah, it's very, very quick!

 

[martint235]

Solo I manage 16.25mph for a 65 mile run with similar climbing. For any distance over 100 miles I look to average 15mph at least plus stops for food.

 

[Dogtrousers]

OK ... sensible answer.

If my maths is right, 2000-3000ft is about 600-900m. Over 100k that's "undulating", but not quite "hilly".

My club has groups ranging from 7 (beginners) 6 (lazy pootlers - that's me) 5 (brisk pootlers - me if I'm feeling energetic) up to 1 (guys/gals with racing licenses). This kind of speed would put you in Level 3, or maybe level 2.

So - depending on how you define good/average/lower I'd guess it's "good".

But I'd prefer the term "fast" to "good". After all, going faster isn't necessarily better is it?

 

[Rob3rt]

It is what it is.

 

[Fab Foodie]

It is what it is.

This ^^^^^
Just ride, enjoy, and ride some more. The numbers are pretty meaningless. Ride with others and you'll know how good a cyclist you are or do a 10 mile TT.

 

[shortone]

Thank you for the quick reply's.
Regardless of the speed and distance we enjoy our Sunday rides out and in asking was just looking to see where we are at in terms of what other regular riders achieve.
Looking at Dogtrousers reply I would say I am where I want to be and will continue to enjoy my cycling at this sort of pace. A couple of the riders in our small group though are constantly pushing to go further and faster with one guy looking to get himself up to an average of 20mph over a minimum distance of 100miles. Fair play to him if he does and can but its not for me. I prefer to be a bit more social than head down arse up riding all the time but still like to feel like I have pushed myself.

 

[50000tears]

There are just so many factors to take into account on any ride like wind speed/direction for that day, other traffic, how many lights you have to wait at etc. On Saturday I did a slightly longer ride (and hillier) than you and dropped from 15.8mh average to 15.1mh just due to bumper to bumper traffic over the last 5-6 miles in my town. If I had hit the town at another time I can actually make time up due to it being mostly flat.

You will know in yourself if you are improving and that is all that matters at the end of the day. 20mh average over 100 miles that your friend is aiming for is going to be a big big challenge though as that is pro kind of speeds.

 

[MikeG]

I glance at averages out of curiosity now and again, but the only thing that gets noted in my diary is distance. I go as fast as I can under the circumstances, but the circumstances include having a conversation with other riders, staying together as a group, enjoying the countryside, and so on.

20mph over 100 miles means you have seen nothing but the tarmac and the wheel of the rider in front, with a regular glance at computer. I'd rather enjoy my ride.

 

[numbnuts]

That mileage and speeds are in my dreams, anyway whats the rush

 

[cyberknight]

There are a lot of threads about distances, average speeds, top speeds and hill climbing which I find difficult to gauge against my own riding.

So on an average ride of approx 100k what is your average speed with ascent taken in to account?
Our Sunday morning ride out is now up around the 100k 60 - 70 miles. We average 16 - 17 mph with between 2000 - 3000 feet of total climbing. With an average riding time around 4hrs.

Information is from Garmin 800.

Would this be considered an average standard, good standard or a lower standard?

Over that sort of distance depending on who i am riding with solo/medium club run around 18 mph , when i get fit again a fast club run would do the distance at more like 20 mph average but as said below .............

I

20mph over 100 miles means you have seen nothing but the tarmac and the wheel of the rider in front, with a regular glance at computer. I'd rather enjoy my ride.

 

[Big Nick]

If I ever get to the level of the OP I'll be well chuffed with those figures!